Chapter Ten

Jayden's POV

As time passed, Elsie and I grew closer, our bond deepening with each passing day. We supported each other through the highs and lows, navigating the complexities of life together.

Elsie's journey of healing was a rollercoaster, marked by moments of progress and setbacks. She slowly allowed herself to grieve, confronting the pain that had haunted her for so long. I stood by her side, offering a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear whenever she needed it.

Despite the progress we had made, there were still challenges ahead. Elsie's walls, although crumbling, occasionally reemerged, causing a rift between us. There were moments when she withdrew into herself, shutting me out despite my efforts to understand and support her.

However, our newfound happiness was soon tested by an unexpected encounter.

One evening, as I returned home from work, I found Sarah, my ex-girlfriend, waiting for me in my apartment. Surprise and confusion flickered across my face as I took in her presence.

"What are you doing here, Sarah?" I asked, my voice tinged with caution.

A sly smile spread across her lips as she approached me, her eyes filled with intent."I thought we could have some fun, Jayden. Just like old times." "Jayden, we both know Elsie will never truly love you. You're wasting your time. Come back to me, and I'll show you what real passion feels like." "You can't win her heart, Jayden," Sarah said, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Elsie will never truly let you in. She's broken, and no amount of love can fix her."

My heart sank, anger coursing through my veins. I had moved on from Sarah, and her presence now felt like an unwelcome intrusion.

"I tried to remain composed, but anger welled up within me.

"Sarah, you have no right to make assumptions about Elsie or our relationship. We're happy together, and nothing you say can change that."

She laughed bitterly, her eyes filled with malice. "We'll see about that, Jayden. I won't let you forget what we had. I won't let you move on."

Before I could respond, Sarah's tone shifted, her words becoming menacing. "If you won't willingly come back to me, then I'll make you. You don't have a choice."

"No, Sarah. I've made my choice, and it's not you," I responded firmly, trying to maintain my composure.

She scoffed, her face twisted with resentment. "You'll regret this, Jayden. Elsie will never choose you over her own demons."

Fear and anger coursed through my veins as she lunged at me, attempting to forcefully seduce me. I pushed her away, my heart pounding with a mix of betrayal and disbelief.

I took a step back, my voice firm. "Sarah, this isn't appropriate. We're not together anymore, and I'm in a committed relationship."

"She scoffed, her demeanor turning hostile. "Committed? That's a joke, Jayden. You can never win over Elsie's heart. She's broken, damaged goods. You're wasting your time."

"Anger surged within me, but I remained composed, refusing to let her provoke me. "Elsie and I have something real, Sarah. I suggest you leave before things escalate.""

"Get out, Sarah!" I shouted, my voice filled with rage. "I want nothing to do with you. Leave me alone!"

She sneered at me, her eyes filled with a twisted satisfaction. "We'll see how long your precious little relationship lasts, Jayden. I'll make sure Elsie sees your true colors."

With those words, she left, leaving me shaken and bewildered. I knew I had to tell Elsie about the encounter, but I dreaded the impact it would have on her fragile heart.

The following day, I found myself in Elsie's office, struggling to find the right words. She sensed my unease and looked at me with concern.

"What's wrong, Jayden?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with genuine care.

Taking a deep breath, I mustered the courage to share the events of the previous evening. Elsie's expression shifted from curiosity to concern, and she reached out to hold my hand.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," she whispered, her voice laced with empathy. "But please know that I trust you, Jayden. I believe in us,

,"I want you to know that I trust you. I trust us," she said softly, her voice laced with concern.

I approached her cautiously, my voice filled with sincerity.

"Elsie, I care about you deeply," I confessed, my eyes never leaving hers. "I won't let anyone or anything come between us. We've faced so much together, and I believe in us."

Her eyes softened, and a flicker of vulnerability passed through them. "I've been carrying so much pain, Jayden. But I'm trying, trying to let you in, to trust in what we have."

I reached out and took her hand, intertwining our fingers. "We'll take it one step at a time, Elsie. Together."

"The following day, Elsie called me to her office. With a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I entered, finding her sitting behind her desk. Her expression was a blend of gratitude and grief, her eyes revealing the hidden pain she carried.

"Jayden, I wanted to thank you for being there for me during my sickness," she said, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "You showed me kindness and care when I needed it most."

I nodded, my heart swelling with love and admiration for her strength. "Elsie, you don't have to thank me. Taking care of you is something I willingly choose to do."

Her gaze softened, and she reached out to touch my hand. "I know I've been cold and distant, but I want you to know that I'm grateful for your presence in my life."

As our eyes locked, I could sense the depth of her gratitude and the weight of her unspoken grief. It was a moment of vulnerability and connection, and I vowed to protect her with all my strength.

In the days that followed, Elsie continued to navigate her grief while juggling the responsibilities of her company. Despite Lisa's advice and my unwavering support, she remained fiercely independent, determined to prove her resilience.

I witnessed the toll it took on her—physically and emotionally. Bruises from late nights spent pouring over documents and the exhaustion etched into her features were evident signs of her relentless dedication.

Lisa continued to offer her support, urging Elsie to find a healthy balance between work and self-care. Yet, Elsie's stubbornness prevailed, and she remained

From that day forward, Elsie and I faced the challenges ahead as a united front. We supported each other through the highs and lows, learning to communicate openly and honestly. The walls that had once separated us slowly crumbled away, replaced by a deep connection and understanding.

As we continued to navigate life's obstacles, Elsie's grief began to find solace in the healing power of time and love.